Nellis hosts Retiree Appreciation Day Published Sept. 18, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jason Couillard 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev., -- Senior leaders from the 99th Air Base Wing hosted the annual Retiree Appreciation Day located at the Thunderbird Hangar Sept. 14. The celebration honored the men and women who retired from the U.S. military, and more than 800 retirees and their family members attended the event. Nellis AFB, and local and national organizations had more than 60 tables set up to distribute information. The information tables include health screening opportunities, educational consultants, banking information and other subjects important to retirees. The day started with welcoming comments and a coin presentation by Col. Barry Cornish, 99th Air Base Wing commander, followed by retired Chief Master Sgt. James Lokovic, the Air Force Sergeants Association's vice chairman of the International Legislative Committee, and Col. (Dr.) Guillermo Tellez, 99th Medical Group commander. "This is our opportunity to recognize and honor you for your service," Cornish said. "We have much to offer you today ... ground static displays, information fair with on- and off-base organizations, health screenings, entertainment, door prizes, and free snacks and refreshments." Tellez took the stage to offer words of thanks as well. "Every day I walk the halls of the medical group and shake the hands of our veterans and retirees," Tellez said. "I can't help but think how much of a privilege it is to provide medical care for you." Dentists from the 99th MDG conducted oral cancer screenings on attendees, and Airmen from immunization clinic administered flu shots. Entertainment was provided by Staff Sgt. Melinda Steinhiser, 99th Force Support Squadron personnel craftsman, who signed the lyrics to "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood, a K-9 demonstration given my Airmen of the 99th Security Forces Squadron military working dog unit, a keyboard performance by Robert "Captain Keyboard" Wallace, and a performance by Leon C. Gilliam. Senior Master Sgt. Lamicia Bailey, 99th FSS military personnel section superintendent and this year's project officer, organized the event. "We have people from TRICARE, [the] Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the 99th MDG, and other organizations that can provide vital information to our retirees," she said. "I am honored to help out the men and women who have served before me." For questions on retiree related activities, stop by Bldg. 20 or call the retiree activities office at 702-652-8712 or 702-652-9978.
